The Lady of Fairhaven

by Lee Scott

  Anne paused for a moment then shouted out, “Frances, My Lord, my name is Frances.”

  “Please assist me before my reputation is compromised,” Gillian begged.

  Luke stepped back to allow the maid access. Gently, she removed Gillian’s hose, exposing the purple bruises at her ankle.

  “God’s wounds, My Lady,” Luke exclaimed. His hands caressed the ankle turning it gently. “I’m astonished you made it down on your own effort. I must take it upon myself to make sure you are safely set in comfortable surroundings so that your family can be contacted. I can see that you have little or no concern for yourself.”

  Gillian sucked in a sharp intake of breath. She was caught like a rabbit in a snare. There was no escaping her immediate return to her uncle. Tears pooled in her eyes but sheer determination held them back. She lowered her head to block his view of her vulnerability.

  “I thank you for your concern, Sir,” Gillian whispered. “And I place myself under your kind protection.”

  Luke plucked her hands in his, bowed his head, and brushed a warm moist kiss on her palm. “We will be off. We will make it back to the encampment before dark if we leave immediately. Lady Anne, I shall protect you.”

  “No one can protect me now,” Gillian answered.

  “I said I will protect you and the maid, Frances, and I shall. Do you think I cannot manage to keep you from harm at Fairhaven manor?” he asked.

  “I have no doubts about protection from the folk at the castle, My Lord,” Anne soothed. “It is my family that causes me concern.”

  Without any warning, Luke swept Anne into his arms and swiftly arranged her atop his destrier. The horse sidestepped under her unfamiliar weight, but Luke pulled the reins in and then swung himself up into the saddle behind her.

  “Sir, it is unnecessary for you to inconvenience yourself when I am quite sure I am able to sit on a horse.”

  “Well, I for one do not wish to take the chance that the movement might hurt your foot.”

  Gillian held herself erect for some time. However, feeling Luke’s strong arms wrapped around her tiny waist as she rocked rhythmically to the horse’s cadence eventually caused her to relax. Soon after, Gillian gave in to the exhaustion of the day and leaned comfortably back against the strong knight. The top of her head snuggled into the hollow beneath his chin. At last she rubbed against his chest and dozed off to sleep.

  Chapter Four

  Simon received Lady Gillian’s sleeping form into his arms. Luke then quickly slid from his horse to relieve Simon of his burden. In spite of his fatigue, Luke had not been particularly anxious to remove his passenger’s body from contact with his own. In fact, Luke’s body had responded traitorously in the saddle as Gillian’s bottom had rubbed against his thighs. He only hoped his armor mesh had been enough to hide the evidence. And once she was asleep, her body had relaxed to the point that the soft heavy flesh of her breasts easily bounced against his arms as he held her body upright in the saddle. If only he could have added distance to their present journey, he would be the happiest of men. The urge to curl up next to her now was nearly overwhelming, and the knight had to summon all his practiced self-control to maintain his honor.

  The lady was as enticing as she was infuriating. Discovering her gone had sent anxiety zipping though him. Why had she thought it necessary to run away? What was she running from? Or running to?

  Everything about her stirred his curiosity. Her beautiful hazel eyes, specked with gold, held his attention without false pride or allure. Lush curves fit perfectly with his body, and the urge to hold her close nearly overpowered rational thought. Luke had occasionally looked over her shoulder to shamefully examine the large swells of her breasts. He struggled to clear his mind of happy but ungentlemanly dreams of tasting their sweetness. Her dark auburn hair shone with red highlights inspired by a summer sunset. Its thick braided rope stroked his hands as it bounced in rhythm with each step of his destrier. The lady was magnificent.

  Luke had ordered sleeping furs to be placed near the fire. Anne had managed to put off sleep and stiffly made her way to her bed. Exhaustion, however, claimed her early. The events of the past few days had exacted a heavier toll on both women. Gillian was gently settled onto a softened pile of leaves and blankets. Under the guise of protection, Luke moved nearby.

  Fresh wood placed on the evening fire crackled and hissed, and the popping drove its way into Lady Gillian’s overtired dreams. A low moan carried across the camp before she thrashed wildly, then screamed out as if in pain. One loud snap of the wood had brought her body straight up, her arms swinging wildly in the air. Dog spun around hunting for the source of trouble. A low menacing growl warned any intruder of his intentions.

  Luke sprang from his blankets at the night-splitting sound. In two steps he reached out to grasp Gillian’s trembling shoulders. With eyes wide open, she fought furiously against his restraint.

  “God, no!” she screamed.

  Dog snapped at the air.

  “Easy Dog! Come!” Anne commanded. The animal moved over to the maid and settled, keeping a cautious eye on his master.

  With an angry tone, Luke said, “Can’t you keep that dog quiet?”

  “I’m sorry, My Lord,” the maid said. “He is My Lady’s dog and very protective of her.

  “So be it!” He turned his attention to the woman thrashing on the ground. “Lady

  Anne,” Luke whispered. “Wake up!”

  “No!” she screamed.

  Awakened by her scream, the sleeping men bounced up from the warmth of their blankets to survey the camp for trouble. Seeing nothing but an hysterical sleeping woman, they bundled up and nestled back into their bedding’s warmth. Clearly, she was deeply caught in a nightmare. Luke pinned her arms from striking out against him.

  “Please! Sir Luke, have mercy on her,” Anne warned. “She has had a fearful fright, and I fear she still suffers from it.”

  “What has happened?” He asked.

  “I am not at liberty to share; however, I can say it was not of her doing, and she needs some patient care to undo the effects from it.”

  Suddenly, Gillian covered her face and whimpered, “No! Please don’t do this.”

  Luke whispered in her ear as he gathered her close, “Do not fear, My Lady. No one will hurt you.” His hands stilled and for a moment the two remained motionless. A few immense sobs were buried into the knight’s solid chest.

  Once spent, Gillian sagged in his arms as her body was clasped tight against the muscle hard flesh of his chest. As quickly as she had started her nightmare, she appeared to cease her ravings and drift back into a restful sleep. A sheen of perspiration coating her forehead was the only evidence of this episode. Luke disentangled himself from her and began to lower her back down to her bedding.

  “Don’t leave me,” Gillian pleaded softly. Tears ran down her flushed cheeks. “Please don’t leave me.”

  Her entreaty was passionate, and the knight’s blood raced throughout his body. Without any invitation, Gillian laid her trembling body against the heated chest and wrapped her arms around him.

  Luke’s self control was snapped like a dried twig. He stroked her back softly, and she moaned outright. He then allowed his lips to brush the top of her head. After a few minutes, he once again lowered her to her blankets. Without a fight this time, Gillian complied. She then gently pulled Luke’s hand close to her body. Luke tried to extract it, but a moan was rent loose, and she tugged his hand closer. Luke looked to Anne for help, but the exhausted woman merely shrugged and returned to her warm sleeping nest.

  It was some time later when Gillian’s breathing evened as she fell back into a deep sleep, and Luke, however reluctantly, pulled his hand from her limp grasp. Enjoying one last study of her exquisite face sent a lusty surge of desire pulsing through him once again. But his own tired mind gratefully accepted the opportunity to return to his own blanket.

  Before sunrise the men were packing up. As the pink gray dawn ligh
tened the sky, Luke and Simon planned on waiting to wake the women. They were surprised to see the Lady had risen with the first nickers from the anxious horses.

  Luke hoisted Gillian onto his destrier. Her arguments to ride on her own horse held no ground with him. He claimed that her propensity to run away necessitated her riding with him. He prayed he would be the only one aware of his real reason to keep her close.

  As the party reached the vicinity of Fairhaven Keep, Lady Gillian begged to refresh herself in the nearby stream. The knight obliged, knowing the keep was well within an easy ride.

  “Please, Sir Luke, may I have a word with you?” Gillian began. “We can speak on the way to the stream.” As they walked, Gillian said, “I imagine you would not wish me to slip away from you again by letting me out of your sight.” Luke smiled at her insight.

  “I would appreciate riding my own horse into Fairhaven Keep.”

  “It is of no matter how you arrive, My Lady,” Luke answered flatly.

  “It is of great import to me, Sir,” she answered. “I must not appear as though I am a prisoner.”

  “You will appear as though you are under my protection,” Luke insisted.

  “Riding in your company will so indicate. You would favor me if you would agree to this small concession, Sir Luke.” Her chin rose, and she stared steadily into his eyes.

  Never had he met a woman so bold and wonderful. But he was also curious. “Is there some reason you would add to this request?” he asked.

  Anne’s gaze dropped to her hands. “It will become apparent in good time, I’m afraid. For now, I wish to keep my reasons to myself. I fear…” Anne stopped, then hurried ahead.

  She slipped out of sight of the road and the men as she made her way to the stream. Luke followed close behind. After all, it was an occasion similar to this that she had once run away. He had no intention of taking time out to track her down, once again.

  As Anne approached the stream her foot slid in a small puddle of wet earth, casting her body backward and into the arms of the large knight guarding her. A gasp of air rapidly filled her lungs, but was just as quickly expelled when her back came in contact with the rock solid chest behind her. Strong arms clasped her around the waist holding her steady.

  Slowly, Anne turned in the circle of his protective grasp. The top of her head came up to his shoulder, forcing her head to tilt back so she could look into his face.

  Nearly laughing, Gillian said, “Thank you! Had you not been so steady I would certainly have ended my wild ride in the mud. You have seen only my weakest side, Sir. I should have been pleased if you had known only my strengths. It should have pleased me greatly.”

  Before Anne could say another word, Luke’s eyes reflected the lust filling his veins, and he lowered his head slowly. His lips brushed lightly against the soft warm lips of the lady. A moan of pleasure sounded deep in her throat, driving Luke to higher passion. His hands placed on the small of her back tugged her closer, as if hoping for such a complete contact the two would somehow become one. Each devoured the sweetness of the other’s waiting lips. Gillian’s mouth parted slightly at the touch of his probing tongue and her hands slid up his chest to the nape of his neck pulling him tighter to her. Luke increased the pressure and the two tasted the sweet warmth of the other as their tongues tangled together in a passionate feast.

  Lady Gillian’s steadfast reason fought with her willing body for control. At present her will was losing the battle to the waves of sensations spinning out of control throughout her body. One last struggle resulted in a gentle but steadfast push of her hands breaking the spell.

  Embarrassed that she could give in to such carnal desires, sent a surge of color to her cheeks. “I…” her eyes never left the knights as she tried to explain. “It seems I have little control when you are so near, Sir. Please forgive me.” Her discomfort drew a pool of tears into her eyes. She took a step back.

  “Please, My Lady, do not chastise yourself. It was my boldness that brought us to touch.” The knight watched her closely. “Forgive me for alarming you. You have touched a flame to my heart, and I find myself wanting to stay warmed by you.”

  “You have not alarmed me,” she added. Struggling for some control over the conversation and her raging emotions, Gillian changed the subject. “Please may I ride my own horse to the manor?”

  “Very well,” Luke grumbled. After returning to the men and horses, Luke lead a golden mare to Gillian then held out the reins. “This is Buttercup. She is one of the finest mares in my family’s stable. She is the horse chosen to bring my father’s bride back to our castle.

  Gillian shivered at the implications. What had she just done? The idea of it was more than she could bear.

  Luke lifted Gillian onto her horse. As he handed her the reigns, he said, “Do not cause any trouble, My Lady. I will be watching you.” His tone had more than a touch of warning to it.

  As the party entered at the edge of the village, the smithy and his wife spotted them. Hurrying to the edge of the roadway, he smiled up at Gillian and said, “Good day, My Lady.”

  The smith’s wife joined her husband and said, “Are you all right, My Lady? We heard that you had…” A jab from her husband’s elbow silenced the woman. A blush stained her cheeks. “Forgive me. We were worried about you.”

  “You are most kind. Thank you for your good wishes.” Gillian then leaned over to the woman and held her hand out to the woman. Clasping hands, they smiled at each other and then parted.

  Looking on, a startled Luke turned his head in surprise to look at the expression on Lady Gillian’s face. The warm smile she offered the villeins startled him. How did they come to know her? Obviously, they had high regard for the lady and her hand reaching down to the wife showed her high regard for them.

  Luke rode close to Anne. The proximity and interest of the crowd made him uneasy. Greetings and outstretched hands met the lady as she passed by. It would be difficult to protect Anne if they rushed her. Strangely, however, everyone seemed happy to see her and glad she was here.

  One young lad held out her arm for inspection that had a small scar. Lady Anne held his forearm and remarked how well he had cared for it. After her brief inspection, she looked back at Luke as if she withheld some words she would share. But nothing was forthcoming.

  On the far side of the village, the manor came into full view. Luke stopped in his tracks and surveyed its beauty from the crenellated towers to the portcullis. The structure was magnificent.

  The pause was long enough to send the cold fear coursing through Gillian. She hated to deceive such a worthy man as this, but her situation left her no choice.

  In a moment of panic, Gillian reined Buttercup in then turned toward the river. Her horse dashed across the open field with haste. She rapidly neared the cover of the forest and shrubs surrounding the waterway. If she could only make her way through the dense shrubbery, she might be safe. Dog came running behind barking loudly. If Luke gave chase there would be little chance of escape, but she had to give one more try.

  Luke angrily halted his steed and turned it sharply in Gillian’s direction. How could he be so blind to think she would calmly go with him? He cursed himself for not keeping her on his horse. Instantly, as if his destrier sensed the danger, it jumped to life after the mare.

  Crossing open land, Gillian’s path laid straight to the river. As she reached the mid-point, she saw a large hunting party exiting the woods in front of her. A new wave of terror filled the woman, and she angled away, back toward the village. Her body hugged low along the back of the mare.

  Looking to cut her off, Luke saw a stonewall blocking the path Gillian had chosen to the village. Certainly, he thought, she wouldn’t think about taking that jump. Luke then noticed the hunting party was made up. He quickly counted ten men dressed in leather armor. Each rode a steed of enough substance to easily catch the mare. Luke had little choice but to cut Anne off before the men reached her. From the demeanor of the men in hot
pursuit, and Gillian’s terror stricken face, there was no doubt the lady was in grave danger. The knight signaled for his own men to follow while he urged his destrier to a faster gallop.

  Glad that he had selected the best mare in the stable, Luke still worried that his family’s horse would be responsible for Gillian’s injuries or possible death. If any mare had a chance of making the jump Buttercup did, but the size of the wall scared the knight. To make matters worse, there were small trees or large shrubs growing along the length of the fence. Gillian was heading toward a particularly bushy area along the wall.

  Luke pressed his steed forward. He was trying to intercept Gillian just after she jumped the wall, that is, if she cleared it at all.

  The mare raced heedless of the danger it faced. The rider bent low over the mare’s neck as if to speak words of encouragement. She stayed low as the mare leaped high. The forelegs cleared without trouble but the hind legs scraped the top stones. Even with the contact, the horse was able to find its footing on the other side.

  Luke was waiting. He quickly pulled along side the mare and reached over for the reigns. He was able to reign in the mare with little effort.

  “What are you about, My Lady?” he barked angrily. “You could have killed yourself and the mare.”

  “No! Let me go please!” Gillian pleaded. Her body stayed low over her horse and tears streamed down her cheeks. A sickening groan broke free. She kicked the mare to make another escape.

  Luke held on tight to the reigns. “You cannot go anywhere, you’re too badly hurt, Lady Anne. Please be easy. All will be well.”

  “I wish you were right, Sir Knight,” she whispered. “I am sorry, Luke, for my clumsy escape attempt, but I had to try. The wall was not so high where I jumped. Please believe me, I would not have risked the horse.”

  Luke only nodded. He was still too angry at her foolhardy attempt. The horse was nothing to the thought of losing her somehow shook him to the very core.